Environment: The Energy Crisis: Time for Action

The first signs of the impending disaster came slowly: increases in the
cost of oil and gasoline, reductions in voltage delivered by power
companies during peak hours, and occasional dim-outs. But then the pace
accelerated as the Government began rationing essential fuels and
exhorted the public to forsake private cars. The reduced use of
automobiles had immediate repercussions in Detroit, where the auto
industry began laying off workers by the thousands. Other industries,
notably the steel manufacturers, also were severely hit. A "domino
effect" of factory shutdowns swept through the U.S. economy.